The first time I heard it my memory jumped right back to the deck of the Disney Wonder. Right back to cruising toward the Caribbean. It is that sort of bell sound.
For the first couple of weeks of school, every time the chimes sounded, I anticipated Erik's voice. Erik, the Cruise Director, who called himself “The Voice from Above” had a voice that bespoke energy and enthusiasm. It brought us on deck to limbo and out to sea to snorkel. He commanded pirates and princesses with that voice.
At Singapore American School, I've stopped anticipating Erik each time I hear the smooth chimes of the bell system, but I’ve noticed similarities between Erik’s smooth talk and the PA announcements at school. It seems simple in a way that we know language across campuses never is.
I’m convinced that one reason National Geographic recently touted Singapore as one of the happiest places on Earth to live is because her people feel safe and well cared for. I know I sure do.
At Singapore American School, I've stopped anticipating Erik each time I hear the smooth chimes of the bell system, but I’ve noticed similarities between Erik’s smooth talk and the PA announcements at school. It seems simple in a way that we know language across campuses never is.
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| Early in the morning entering the high school always brings Wonderland to mind. |
Like Erik, the folks that speak on our intercom use polished, radio voices— even students sound professional. Like Erik, most announcements are invitations: to guest speakers, to special assemblies, to breakfast or the hamburger cookout sponsored by the P.T.A. Oh the wonder of all the opportunities SAS affords students and faculty.
The tone and tenor, the culture and climate, a world away from lock down drills and active shooter trainings. We do practice safety. We’ve had fire drills and a lockdown drill this fall. But we also live in a country that has some of the strictest gun control laws in the world.
The tone and tenor, the culture and climate, a world away from lock down drills and active shooter trainings. We do practice safety. We’ve had fire drills and a lockdown drill this fall. But we also live in a country that has some of the strictest gun control laws in the world.
I’m convinced that one reason National Geographic recently touted Singapore as one of the happiest places on Earth to live is because her people feel safe and well cared for. I know I sure do.
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The 11th annual Slice of Life Story Challenge is hosted by
the team at Two Writing Teachers. Slide on over to join in the writing fun or serve yourself up another slice. |
I love your connections to the bells of thr intercom and the voice from above. This always brings me back to camp and the wake up call of, "Wakey, wakey. Eggs and bakey." Fun how we can become nostalgic over something so small.
ReplyDeleteLee Ann,
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of "The Voice from Above!" Interesting that you carried it with you long after Disney. Your reasoning for Singapore as the happiest place on Earth makes sense. It is a blessing to know you are cared for.
Lee Ann, life seems to be going well for you at your new school. I am thinking of you this weekend as you had to return home. May I please capture your 2nd photo for my #WinterWonderland18 Gallery that I am designing now. If yes, I will add your name and location.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol,
DeleteYou sure may use the school entrance picture — the blue glow does suggest Winter but being in Singapore and the trooics we never really have a winter.
Lee Ann, you have a gift for juxtaposition. I particularly like your alliteration in this line: " He commanded pirates and princesses." The way you move from the world of Disney and it's magic to the comparative idealism of SAS to the nuanced way you make your point about gun laws and student safety is brilliant. Well done, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Glenda— I erased and rewrite that paragraph quite a few times. I wanted to say more but at the same time feel I have little right to— glad you see the whispers of it. People at my school often say we “live in a bubble” and we do— comparative idealism is quite an apt description.
DeleteThis post made me think of my student teaching. My cooperating teacher lit out for the teachers' lounge on my first day, never to be seen until the last day of my semester, and the principal of the school knew the 8th grade boys were giving me a run for my money. Every once in a while, sounding EXACTLY like James Earl Jones, a voice from above would come through the intercom... "SIT DOWN AND SHOW HER SOME RESPECT." And by golly... every one of those eighth grade boys did.
ReplyDeleteOh that is fantastic! I bet those boys were so surprised!
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